Eveluation of nailfold capillaroscopy by digital dermatoscope in rheumatologic diseases

Background: Capillaryoscopy is a procedure for imaging capillary vessels in the proximal nail fold. Capillary vessels in the proximal nail fold can be visualized by using various magnifications (x100, x200). Capillary organization disorder can observe in systemic sclerosis, dermatomyositis and systemic lupus erythematosus. Giant capillary structures can be seen in Raynaud syndrome, systemic sclerosis and dermatomyositis. Avascular areas can be seen in systemic sclerosis and dermatomyositis. Especially enlarged giant capillary structures from these changes may be a preliminary finding in connective tissue diseases. Aim: In our study, with nail fold capillaroscopy, we aim to reveal the pathologic findings and the frequency of these findings in different rheumatologic diseases to support and facilitate the recognition of diagnosis. Materials and methods: Between February 2016 and April 2016 at Erzurum Atatürk University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Dermatology, 200 patients who had a history of rheumatic disease and 50 healthy volunteers were included in the study. In our study, the patient's file number, age, sex, and rheumatic disease were noted. All patients proximal nail fold was examined and photographed with a digital dermatoscope.SPSS was used for statistical evaluation. P <0.05 was considered significant. Results: Of the 200 patients included in the study, 101 were RA, 42 were SLE, 46 were AS and 11 were SSc. Pathology was detected in 156 patients (78%). The most common pathologies are edema, curved capillary, avascular areas and brush capillaries, respectively.